On3′s latest rankings just dropped so let’s take a look at some of the names in the top 50 in Class 5A. Some are familiar names known around the state and there are a few new ones that have emerged and gotten on the national radar.
Effingham County Jernard Albright- A pretty new name in the recruiting world at least to me, but Albright has started to pick up some traction. He’s an outlier on On3, the only recruiting platform that has him ranked. On3 ranks him as a four-star recruit, the No. 5 safety, and the No. 6 player in Georgia. Albright has a top 50 national ranking. He is fresh off a Georgia Tech offer with more colleges calling. Some of his notable offers include South Carolina, Kentucky, Texas A&M, and more. When you take a look at his film, you see a physical and athletic defensive back. He stands out instantly and makes plays that very few can on the football field. He certainly has my attention moving forward.
Langston Hughes OL Kelsey Adams- Adams has every offer one could want. Notable offers include Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. He is rated as a four-star prospect and a top-100 recruit in the country. When I got the chance to watch Adams, I was impressed by how quickly he moved off the ball and got up to the next level of the defense. He’s powerful and strong from his lower body and has really good hands that are tough to move off you once he locks arms. Adams was a standout in team practice, not letting some of the speedy defensive linemen for Hughes even get close to QB Darnell Kelly. One thing is for sure, Kelly is not going to have to worry about anything with Adams protecting him.
Northside-Warner Robins DL Elijah Patmon- Elijah Patmon might be the best-kept secret in the state. I mean that sincerely. Yes, he is ranked as a four-star prospect and a top-15 player in the state according to On3. When you mention top defensive linemen, however, he gets glossed over when we talk about position rankings. Patmon is easily a top-three defensive lineman in this class and in the country, regardless of class. He can eat up space with his 6’2 and 295 frame, but it’s not just that. He is a disruptor who is agile at taking on double teams and makes an impact on the defensive side of the ball. He made one play where he forced a fumble in spring practice and completely blew up the play. This kid has the potential to be one of the best defensive linemen we have seen in the interior in quite some time. Don’t take my word for it. Roll the tape.
Gainesville QB Kharim Hughley- There will be a lot of eyes on Hughley this season and for good reason. He is extremely talented and has elevated his game to new heights. In 2024, he threw for 2,543 yards and 22 touchdowns as a sophomore. To put it simply, he balls in big games. Go back and watch the tape of when he lit up Roswell for 456 yards and six touchdowns on a 72% completion percentage. Hughley is ranked as a four-star prospect and a top 150 recruit in the country. It’s only up here for Hughley, who has a ton of upside. I’ve been high on him before he blew up, and the world knew who he was. He’s continued to remain humble and put the work in just like he was when there weren’t any rankings or people knew who he was, which is why he will be fine and pan out for whatever college he ends up choosing.
Houston County OL Braylin Mills- Mills is massive at 6-foot-7 and 330-pounds and hasn’t even touched the surface of his true potential. Mills is an offensive lineman who moves well for his size. He can anchor down in pass protection, and then in the running game, he can get to the second level and open up gaping holes for the running back to run through. In-person, Mills has good footwork and hands and an ability to be a stuffer against defensive linemen. He is ranked as a top 29 player in the state of Georgia according to On3. The sky is the limit for this kid.
Milton TE Grant Haviland- One thing that caught my eye is that Haviland is an excellent blocker and doesn’t mind getting physical with you and finishing a block. With his 6’4 and 215-pound frame, he can do a little bit of everything. Also, don’t let him get the ball in his hands because he is capable of going for a big play. He can also catch the ball through traffic and hang on to it while drawing defensive coverage. The four-star prospect is ranked as the No. 33 player in the state of Georgia and will be a big part of the Eagles do offensively this season.
Gainesville RB Nigel Newkirk- Newkirk fits into the Gainesville offense seamlessly. The Red Elephants want to be physical and run the rock. They have the offensive line to do and now they get a bell cow at the running back position whom they can lean on throughout the season. His power, agility, and elusiveness, coupled with his vision, are a dangerous combination. Newkirk received a three-star ranking and a No. 41 ranking in the state after the latest ranking update. Despite the ranking, you can argue he is still very underrated and is one of the running backs in the country with all that he can do, including being able to be a blocker and help protect his quarterback.
Gainesville DB Jeremiah Proctor- Proctor transferred over from Collins Hill this offseason and will now be one of the best players in the secondary for Gainesville heading into 2025. It is hard to replicate 6’3 and 190 pounds with a player that can be dynamic in the box, stopping in the run. He is also good at defending the pass and making plays on the ball. Proctor was an instrumental piece for the Eagles defense last year. I got the chance to see him in person, and he made some nice plays in spring practice, making some pass breakups and flowing to the football. Proctor is rated as the No. 49 player in Georgia He will be a name to continue to watch moving forward.
Milton QB Derrick Baker- The next in line for the Milton Eagles, you can make the argument that he is flying under the radar when we think about the 2027 QB, especially with Baker transferring from the state of Florida. When you see him in person, however, he checks a lot of boxes and can be a weapon for the Eagles this upcoming season, especially after losing so much of their talent from their two-time state championship roster. A thing that caught my eye was Baker’s deep ball. He is extremely accurate with it, not leaving it in the air for too long, but also throwing it with zip where a receiver can run under it. Baker is rated as a top 50 player in Georgia per On3 after the latest rankings.
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